Nedbank XCO nationals at Swakop

The annual Nedbank Cross Country Olympic (XCO) Namibian National Championships race takes place at Swakopmund over the Easter long weekend.

The two-day national mountain bike race event will see cyclists compete in different race categories, which include under-14 to 18 boys and girls, short course men and women open, under-12 sprog boys, under-14 sub-junior girls, under-10 nipper boys and girls, under-12 sprog girls, under-16 youth boys and girls, under-14 sub-junior boys, sub-vet men and women, veteran men and women, master and grandmaster men and women, elite men and women, under-23 men and women, and junior men and women.

Namibian cyclists taking part in the elite, under-23, and junior race will be vying for Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) points, which are an internationally recognised points system for boosting each cyclists world ranking to determine placement in international events like the Olympics.

In this race, only Namibians can compete for UCI points.

The Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) together with Cycles4U Swakopmund, are the organising partners of the Nedbank XCO series.

“The track in Swakopmund maybe be technically different from the track in Windhoek, but I think the cyclists will have an exciting time on it,” said NCF general secretary Elanor Grassow.

“The track is suitable for different calibres of riders and for all age groups, as all the obstacles on the course have safe alternative routes around them. We would like to encourage all cycling fans and spectators to come and support our riders, I am sure we will witness exciting racing on both days,” she said.

With close to 100 entries, the races will also see an introduction of the new E-Bike race category, and an XCC-Short Track category for elite cyclists, which is a race similar to XCO racing, but with laps typically under one kilometre in length, and in a less technical terrain.

The above categories have recently been included in the UCI’s World Cup circuit.

Hosting the national mountain bike race at Swakopmund is a deliberate attempt to widen the footprint of cycling in Namibia, says Nedbank Namibia communication and public relations manager Selma Kaulinge.

“As we gear up for the Nedbank XCO Namibian National Championships, we are reminded of the importance of this activity in firstly promoting a healthy lifestyle, as well as the opportunity it creates in helping to develop the future of Namibian cycling sportsmen and women, Kaulinge said.

“Events such as these prepare our Namibian athletes when it comes time to represent our country on global stages.

“We look forward to seeing cyclists from all over the country, not only showcase their skills, but also inspire others to join the sport of cycling,” she said.

“Nedbank Namibia has been a consistent contributor to the sport of cycling in Namibia, and we plan to continuously extend the footprint of cycling through to the different towns across the country. We are excited for this race, and we can’t wait to see what Swakopmund has in store for us,” said Kaulinge.

Entries for the Nedbank XCO Namibian National Championships races at Swakopmund are open.

Contact the Namibian Cycling Federation at info@namcf.org for more information.